A user experience (UX) designer is a person who works to optimize the interaction between humans and products. User experience design is known to be a process of defining the experience a user would go through whenever he interacts with a digital product or website. Whenever you interact with a product or service, you have a user experience. This includes navigating a mobile app or browsing a website. Similarly, interacting with a physical product is also a user experience. This includes trying out a new dress or shoe. Taking advantage of service is also included in the user experience. So we can say the term user experience (UX) refers to all aspects of interaction.
Here we shall discuss the most important skills that are very helpful for a UX designer.
The main purpose of prototyping is to help designers test functionality. And that is why it is deemed to be a very important skill to possess. Prototyping helps designers to make sure that there is a feasible match between the system and its user before construction on the final product begins. With the help of prototypes, it becomes easy for designers to test functionality and overall navigation. UX designers should be capable enough to prototype quickly and effectively.
Information architecture is something that includes the organization of information in an understandable or feasible manner. It applies to websites, apps, printed materials, software, and even physical spaces. Information architecture usually involves systems like navigation, labeling, and search functions. A solid understanding of information architecture is a very important skill for a US designer to possess.
Visual language is considered to be a very important skill to be possessed by UX designers. It involves a very good understanding of different concepts like layout, design theory, color, typography, images, and icons. Possessing these skills is very important for the success of a UX designer.
Agile as we all know is a set of project management practices that is very popular in the software development world. It is entirely based on an iterative approach to building a product. Agile methodology is used by the majority of software development teams so it would make sense for UX designers to understand what it is and how to make the most out of this popular product management approach. In other words, a deep understanding of agile methodology can help UX designers stand tall in the crowd as possessing this skill can be a great deal.
For each screen of an interface, wireframing is the blueprint. The main purpose of wireframing is to show individuals how something works and not how it looks. It is something that defines all the elements that need to be present from page to page. It also includes all the interface components that are required for all possible interactions. Wireframing is generally designed in grayscale using boxes and lines. A thorough knowledge of wireframing is an important skill.
User research is a process of understanding all about who a user is and what he wants. Designing a product that can solve a user problem or meet a user’s needs are included in user research. To be able to fulfill what the user wants, it is very important to conduct the right type of user research for the product or feature you’re designing as it can empower you to make the product in the most efficient possible manner.
Having an excellent and well-crafted resume is considered to be a UX designer’s best chance of getting selected for a job. But what can we do to make a great UX design resume? In this section, we shall take a look at some of the tips that can help you make an attention-grabbing resume. We will teach you how to show off your skills and grab the attention of hiring managers.
Many people only rush towards making a resume without even realizing what it is actually for. If you think your resume alone can help you get a job then you’re wrong because that is not the case entirely. The role of a resume is quite limited as it is just for getting you shortlisted for a particular job. And that is why it is very important to craft a resume that can help you get shortlisted. Once you get shortlisted, the work of resume is done and now you have to present yourself in a way that would help you get the job.
As we have just mentioned earlier the primary purpose of a resume is to help you get shortlisted right? So wouldn’t it make sense if you just put the needs of the hiring manager on top? In other words, you need to find out what the hiring manager is looking for, what qualities he demands, what format, and other things.
Hiring managers don’t have time to read a long resume instead they demand a short yet effective resume that has everything they need. Being a UX designer, it is very important to analyze, simplify, and organize information in a concise way. When you manage to present a concise document, it will give the hiring manager a chance to quickly understand your work background, the skills you have, and things that can make him call you back. So, always remember to keep your resume short but not skip any important detail.
UX design resumes should always be comprehensive as the hiring managers wouldn’t want to know the names of your childhood pets or even your high school grades. What they are looking for in your resume is concrete information that can help them decide whether they need you or not. So make sure to choose only the relevant information. This includes the skills you possess, job experience, and other interests beyond your day-to-day work.
Your document should never look very amateurish. By amateurish we mean not adjusting the margins or changing the font from Calibri. These factors can really put a negative impact. Secondly, your document shouldn’t be flashy as well. By that we mean it should convey professionalism and communicate the content calmly and clearly.
A 10-point text on your laptop would seem fine but what if your hiring manager is trying to view your application on his phone? That would be a disaster for you. So make sure not to go below 12 points so that an A4-sized PDF is still readable whether it is opened from a laptop or phone.
This section contains information about the kind of work a UX designer has to do on daily basis.
Whenever an employer is looking to hire a UX designer, he has some points in mind that he wishes to see in a UX designer. These can be referred to as qualifications and below you can find some of these qualifications.
When compared to other fields, UX design is relatively a new field and that is why it is highly likely you’ll find a few UX-specific degree programs. But no worries as some programs have the most overlap with the concepts of UX. This includes human-computer interaction, information architecture degree, and interaction design.
With that, some majors can help you prepare for a career as a UX designer. This includes psychology, anthropology, computer science, industrial design, information, design, etc.
There might be a situation where you won’t find many degrees specific to UX. But if you want a career in UX design then you can always consider a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science as it has the most concentration in UX.
Earning credentials from a UX industry leader is always considered to be an excellent way to prove your worth to recruiters or hiring managers. This shows that you have the necessary skills for the job. Sadly there aren’t many industry-recognized UX certifications out there but still, we managed to find some suitable certifications for our readers.
As per the salary of a UX designer is concerned, you can find these details below;
According to Glassdoor.com;
These figures show that UX design is a rewarding career and top companies like UX Studio, MetaLab, Work & Co, Clay, Fantasy Interactive, and many others actively hire UX designers. Therefore, if you are interested in becoming a UX designer then the above guide is enough for you to find out what you need and how you will become one.
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